Armando Cabral has a head for business and a bod for fashion.
The chiseled hunk earned a degree at London Guildhall Faculty of Business & Law while pursuing an international career on the catwalk, modeling for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. In 2009, he put his diploma to use, founding a namesake men’s shoe company and, four years later, adding a women’s collection. On any given day, the Guinea-born, Portugal raised model-entrepreneur might be strutting on the runway or jumping on a plane for Italy, where his shoes are made.
“So far, I’m able to combine the two without interference,” says Cabral, 33, who lives in Brooklyn with his fiancée and their 2-year old son. “But I spend most of my time working on the business. I am fully involved in the creative process and development of the brand.”
Cabral designs what he would like to wear himself: funky, unexpected shoes that move easily from day to night and, in many cases, can pair with track pants or suits.
“We’re big fans of the product that Armando puts out, as are our customers,” says Sam Lobban, senior buyer for Mr Porter, the luxury fashion Web site, which carries Cabral’s shoes (they’re also available at Bloomingdale’s and Odin New York).
In his latest collection, Cabral mixes neutral materials with unexpected pops of colors, and updates sporty shapes with luxe skins: Slip-on skater-style sneakers are made of finely woven leather, while navy leather Derby shoes come with bright orange and white rubber soles. “I was inspired by the urban city and people that populate it,” says Cabral. “The mood for both men’s and women’s was ease, with a touch of refined elegance.”
The company recently teamed with Tuscan leather mill Il Bussetto to develop a line of accessories sold exclusively at Cabral’s new flagship in Kuwait, his first boutique.
And he’s making the most of his experience in the fashion industry. “Modeling can teach you patience, discipline, persistency and confidence,” he says. “All of the above helped me grow as a person and a businessman. In fashion, if you don’t have these qualities you can have a tough time finding yourself.”
